Crawford Notch State Park offers dispersed camping options for travelers exploring the White Mountains region of New Hampshire. Located at elevations between 1,500-1,900 feet, the area experiences temperature variations of 30+ degrees between day and night, even during summer months. The Gorham region contains several first-come, first-served dispersed sites that provide more primitive camping experiences than established campgrounds.
What to do
Presidential Rail Trail exploration: Access this 18-mile trail from multiple points near Gorham for hiking and mountain biking. "There is a small welcome/registration building where you stop to register on your way in. Be careful driving through the campground, the roads are in rough shape due to the construction," notes a visitor to Dolly Copp Campground.
River activities: The Androscoggin River provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking and tubing. "Grest spot for some river fun and relaxing. Very central to white mountain region. Fun for all ages. Tubing, swimming, playing in the river that runs along the campground," shares a camper at Crawford Notch Campground.
Winter camping adventures: Some campgrounds remain open year-round for winter enthusiasts. "This site is also open in winter (one of the few) on a first come, first serve basis for those hearty enough to brave the frigid New England winter!" explains a visitor to Barnes Field Group Campground.
What campers like
Private riverside sites: Campsites along water features are highly valued. "Great campground! Very clean, private showers, working bathrooms. We stayed on campsite 3, which was right by the babbling brook. You can fall asleep to the sound of the rushing water!" shares a visitor to Moose Brook State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers receive consistent praise. "This state park has well maintained campsites and the group sites are in a different location, on the opposite side of the road, from the main campground which is nice. Sites have fire rings, picnic tables and nice areas to pitch tents," reports a camper at Moose Brook State Park.
Wildlife viewing: The opportunity to spot native species enhances the camping experience. "The price is good and on a number of occasions we have seen moose or bear in the area," mentions a visitor to Moose Brook State Park Campground.
What you should know
Bear awareness: Black bears are active throughout the region. "Upon entering campground we saw many 'beware of bear signs'. The campground ranger station confirmed that black bear are prominent and will venture across picnic tables and sites, so be certain to store food & toiletries safely per rules!" warns a camper at Dolly Copp Campground.
Limited connectivity: Cell service is minimal or non-existent at many locations. "No cell service, at least not AT&T or Verizon. If you need it, a short drive down the road gets you service," notes a visitor to Basin Campground.
Weather preparedness: The White Mountains have unpredictable weather patterns. "Bring a tarp for your tent, rains can be torrential," advises a camper at Dolly Copp Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas for children. "Fishing, swimming, river walks, biking and movie nights!" shares a visitor to Moose Brook State Park about family-friendly activities.
Playground amenities: Some campgrounds provide dedicated play areas. "Great campground! Clean, well maintained, playground and heated pool. The view of the mountains was worth the price alone," notes a visitor to White Birches Camping Park.
Group site advantages: For larger family gatherings, specialized group sites offer benefits. "This campground is great for groups! The sites are well spaced and can accommodate several tents in each site. There are multiple picnic tables (3-4) in each site and plenty of room for the whole gang," explains a camper at Barnes Field Group Campground.
Tips for RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose RV sites wisely based on size and privacy needs. "We have stayed at Moose Brook State Park a number of times over the years to gain easy access to the hiking trails in the White Mountains. The campground is well run, manned by easy going Rangers, and is hassle free. The sites are large, with a choice of wooded, partially wooded, or open. Sites are level, with the fire ring on the correct side for people with campers," shares an experienced RVer.
Hookup availability: Electric and water hookups vary across dog-friendly campgrounds near Gorham. "The only downside to some of the RV spots is that they can be in the sun almost all day which can be a bit much in the heart of the summer. Otherwise, sites are well maintained and have all the normal hookups for RVs," notes a visitor to White Birches Camping Park.
Free dispersed alternatives: For self-contained units, free camping options exist. "Take Town Hall rd off of 302 and go until it is no longer residential. You'll see the WMNF signs and the sites begin shortly after that. We drove down the road a bit, past a few tent sites just off the road," explains a camper at Town Hall Road Dispersed camping area.
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